Research Interests

 

I am interested in a broad range of topics in ecology and conservation biology.  My primary research interest is the basic plant ecology of a federally endangered wetland species, Northeastern Bulrush or Scirpus ancistrochaetus.   More information on this species can be found on the Center for Plant Conservation website.  Very little is known about causes of rarity, genetic diversity, habitat requirements, restoration requirements or even basic ecology of this species.   My field sites are in Pennsylvania, but greenhouse and field experiments can be conducted at Wilmington.

I am also interested in wetlands and what factors are important to maintenance and restoration of ecosystem integrity.  In Ohio, 90% of the original wetlands have been destroyed.  The remaining wetlands are usually degraded ecologically.  Information from wetland studies aims to find ways to restore and protect these remaining wetlands.  In particular, I am interested in wetlands as habitat for breeding amphibians.

Invasive species are another area of interest for me.  Invasive species are a huge threat to natural ecosystems, and invasive species such as garlic mustard, purple loosestrife and honeysuckle are quickly altering our remaining natural areas in Ohio.  Control of invasive species and restoration of affected habitat are research interests of mine.

These are just a few of my interests.  I have experience with a number of different systems and can develop research projects in a variety of areas in ecology.  If you are interested in performing a research project in ecology at Wilmington, please let me know and we can find where our interests overlap.